Lithuania Accuses Russia of Terrorism After IKEA Store Arson Incident

Lithuanian prosecutors on Monday claimed that Russia orchestrated an arson attack on an IKEA store in Vilnius last year, labeling it “an act of terrorism.”

Officials stated they had “reasonable grounds” to suspect that certain Russian “military structures and security services” were involved in both organizing and financing the attack on the Swedish retailer that occurred on May 9, 2024, in the capital of Lithuania.

“We consider this incident to be an act of terrorism with dire implications,” prosecutor Arturas Urbelis informed the media.

The authorities have identified two Ukrainian nationals as suspects in the case, with one apprehended in Lithuania and the other in Poland.

“It has been determined that the masterminds behind these crimes are located in Russia and are connected to military intelligence and security agencies,” Urbelis remarked.

According to the prosecutor’s office, one of the suspects entered Poland in early 2024 and agreed during a covert meeting in Warsaw to ignite and bomb shopping malls in both Lithuania and Latvia in exchange for €10,000 (approximately $10,904).

“More than one supermarket has been set ablaze, and it’s not limited to supermarkets,” Urbelis remarked when questioned about potential ties to similar arson incidents in Poland.

“It is evident that the individuals we have identified, including the perpetrators and intermediaries, are also connected to criminal activities carried out in Poland,” he highlighted.

These attacks, including the IKEA incident, were aimed at intimidating and destabilizing Lithuania while exerting pressure on the EU member state to cease its support for Ukraine, officials indicated.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned Russia’s actions as “exceptionally treacherous,” emphasizing the recruitment of Ukrainians as saboteurs.

“The Lithuanian prosecutor’s office has confirmed our suspicions that the Russian secret services are behind the fires at shopping centers in Vilnius and Warsaw,” Tusk stated on X.

“It’s valuable information to have ahead of negotiations. Such is the nature of this state [Russia],” he added, seemingly referring to upcoming peace discussions aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine.

In May, Tusk announced the detention of nine individuals connected to an alleged Russian espionage ring that was suspected of plotting sabotage in Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and possibly Sweden.

This group, which included citizens from Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland, was accused of conducting arson attacks and violent assaults, with some members thought to be recruited from criminal backgrounds.

Reporting by AFP contributed to this article.